Numerical simulation of tidal flooding over mangrove swamps

Tidal flooding over mangrove swamps is subject to the drag resistance produced by mangrove roots, fallen branches, seedlings and mangrove bed conditions. A numerical study has been carried out to simulate the tidal flow over mangrove swamps in an estuarine mangrove, Kemaman Terengganu. This study aims to understand the characteristics of tidal level variations and velocity fields under the influence of the complex morphology and densely mangrove roots system. The two-dimensional finite difference model is used in this study. Results indicated that there is phase lag among the creeks because the distance from the estuary varies among each creek. At a cross-section J110, an overflow occurs over adjacent two creeks faster than the left one at a maximum water level around T = 20hr. Meanwhile, in the right creek the highest water level occurs at T = 18hr. The calculation shows that the flooding (at 18hr 40min) enters deeper inside the mangrove swamps if the flood plain is assumed to have no mangrove roots resistance except the bed friction